Prosecutor probing gun-toting couple says Trump, governor ‘came after’ her
A St. Louis prosecutor is accusing Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and President Trump of targeting her for investigating the white couple who brandished guns at Black Lives Matter protesters last month, saying they “continue to play politics” in the aftermath of the incident.
St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner made the pointed allegation in a statement released on Twitter late Tuesday after Parson told reporters earlier in the day that he spoke with Trump and US Attorney General William Barr about Mark and Patricia McCloskey.
“Today, both the governor and Donald Trump came after me for doing my job and investigating a case,” Gardner said. “While they continue to play politics with the handling of this matter, spreading misinformation and distorting the truth, I refuse to do so.”
Gardner said she was “reviewing all the available facts” regarding the June 28 incident that was caught on video, showing the personal injury attorneys protecting their Renaissance-style mansion with a rifle and a handgun as protesters marched toward the home of Mayor Lyda Krewson.
“It is also incredible that at a time when our nation is dealing with a rapidly spreading deadly virus and our state reported a record number of new infections, they are launching these dog-whistle attacks against me,” Gardner’s statement continued.
A message seeking additional comment from Gardner’s office Wednesday — including whether a decision has been made to criminally charge the McCloskeys — was not immediately returned.
An attorney for the couple, Joel Schwartz, said he expected charges to be filed at some point Tuesday, CNN reports.
Parson accused Gardner on Tuesday of trying to take the couple’s “constitutional rights away,” claiming they had “every right” to protect their property, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Gardner, meanwhile, said in a statement issued one day after the viral standoff that she was investigating reports of “peaceful protesters” who were met with guns and a “violent assault” during the incident.
“My office is currently working with the public and police to investigate these events,” Gardner said on June 29.
“Make no mistake: we will not tolerate the use of force against those exercising their First Amendment rights, and will use the full power of Missouri law to hold people accountable.”
